Sigh....The holidays never seem quite long enough. I had a ton of plans over the holidays to get my house organized, end of year paperwork finished, and a good plan for the new year. It's now the 6th, the organization was not finished, the paperwork not finished....and no planning done ;-)
I did however spend some wonderful time with my girls. My oldest is so excited about the new craft space in the basement, she helped out a little bit, but between lots of outings, some family Wii sports matches, and baking sessions....By the time my husband and I got the kids to bed at night, our energy had dwindled...I'll still report on it's progress once we're back at it later this week.
I did manage to score big time at Goodwill. I got a fabulous craft table (an old wooden dining room table that seats 8) for a grand total of $8.99! That definitely fit within my budget :-)
I'm also spending this week and next doing our planning for the year ahead. I've got lots of ideas brewing about in my head to make us better than ever before. New, fun, classes and events, improved back end systems which are so close to coming to fruition. We're also planning little improvements to the store and studio throughout the year.
I wish you all the very best with your plans for the New year!
Jennifer
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Tuesday, January 06, 2009
Monday, January 05, 2009
Displaying Jewelry (and beads)
Storing jewelry and displaying it. Eventually, you are going to fill up your little jewelry box with the ballerina inside that twirls to music when you open it. I rather suspect that by now, you have filled several shoeboxes, some tupperware containers, and quite possibly, the back bedroom.
Some of it, you might want to display, or maybe you are even doing shows, and looking for ways to display there.
Here are some thoughts:
Check out this totally cool jewelry rack for earrings by Matthias Wandel. You'll need someone with woodworking skills.
For displaying beads - these racks are awesome - we have some in the store! (For displaying, not for sale!)
There is the commercially purchased wrought iron look. Or the handmade metal display approach. Here's another handmade metal display person. In fact - Etsy.com (which specializes in handmade stuff, has quite a number of handmade jewelry display makers.
Or maybe you just need a styrofoam head - to get ahead. :-) Or something more artistic - like a hand-painted flapper head?
For craft shows, etc. - Many folks use bowls of rice or beans to display small items, like beads or earrings. The down side to this is that the rice either gets damp and grows mold, or you pull it out one day after a hiatus and discover you have mice. To avoid these pitfalls - use plastic pellets - sold in craft stores as "teddy bear stuffing." Translucent, matt finish pellets - they do the job nicely, and don't attract vermin.
Screen (window screen) stapled into a sturdy picture frame is also good for hanging earrings.
And I've seen necklaces draped over fabric-covered pool noodles and triangular fed-ex shipping boxes.
Got any more cool ideas? Post 'em in the comments!
Some of it, you might want to display, or maybe you are even doing shows, and looking for ways to display there.
Here are some thoughts:
Check out this totally cool jewelry rack for earrings by Matthias Wandel. You'll need someone with woodworking skills.
For displaying beads - these racks are awesome - we have some in the store! (For displaying, not for sale!)
There is the commercially purchased wrought iron look. Or the handmade metal display approach. Here's another handmade metal display person. In fact - Etsy.com (which specializes in handmade stuff, has quite a number of handmade jewelry display makers.
- Ironwolf
- JewelryStill
- MelissaWoods
- or something more urban? Jewelscurnow
Or maybe you just need a styrofoam head - to get ahead. :-) Or something more artistic - like a hand-painted flapper head?
For craft shows, etc. - Many folks use bowls of rice or beans to display small items, like beads or earrings. The down side to this is that the rice either gets damp and grows mold, or you pull it out one day after a hiatus and discover you have mice. To avoid these pitfalls - use plastic pellets - sold in craft stores as "teddy bear stuffing." Translucent, matt finish pellets - they do the job nicely, and don't attract vermin.
Screen (window screen) stapled into a sturdy picture frame is also good for hanging earrings.
And I've seen necklaces draped over fabric-covered pool noodles and triangular fed-ex shipping boxes.
Got any more cool ideas? Post 'em in the comments!
Sunday, January 04, 2009
The Secret to Taking Great Photographs
I get asked all the time about how I get such great pictures for the website. Here's my secret. Table Top Studios.
Pretty much everything I know about product photography, I learned from their website. They spell it out clearly, and have the specialized equipment that can be sooo hard to find. These are not just generalized photography hints - but specifics to bead and jewelry photography. A most excellent site!
Pretty much everything I know about product photography, I learned from their website. They spell it out clearly, and have the specialized equipment that can be sooo hard to find. These are not just generalized photography hints - but specifics to bead and jewelry photography. A most excellent site!
Saturday, January 03, 2009
Sneak Peek at Next Week
What's up for next week. I HAD intended to put these Kazuri - oops - sorry "Kenya" beads up for last week - but it didn't work out that way. I'm still aiming to get them up for next week - here's hopin'!
These are the same African handcrafted ceramic beads that you know and love!
Friday, January 02, 2009
Flat nose, chain nose, bent nose pliers
At first blush - you may wonder what makes these different from the regular pliers that you may already have - and can find anywhere - from the dollar store to Lee Valley Tools.
Teeth. The answer is teeth - these tools do not have grooved ridges cut into them for gripping the wire. (Which, you'd think would make them cheaper than regular pliers - but nooooo - doesn't work that way.)
That toothy gripping surface on regular pliers is going to play havoc with your nice soft, shiny wire - it will chew up the surface and make it look like heck.
You may remember - back on Monday (yep - LAST YEAR - arf, arf, arf. I love this time of year - and I know - these "year" jokes are so old they have mold.) - I said you needed TWO pairs of these - or some combination of these listed tools. I'll explain in a minute.
What is the difference?
Chain nose pliers are flat on the inside, but the outer side of the jaws are curved. I like the shape of them, and you can shape wire over the outside. The taper makes them fit better into tight spaces.
Flat nose pliers are - well - flat. Their jaws taper, and but they are squared off in and end-on view.
I personally find them a little wide for most of the things I do - I prefer the "micro-tip" pliers - they get into tight places a treat!
And finally - the bent-nose pliers (sorry - I don't have a photo of them separately - for some reason, we've never had them as a stand alone item) - but you'll know them when you see them - they have a 90 degree angle in the jaws.
These can be very useful (I'm told) for getting into tight place to flatten and fold down the ends of wire. But, flip them over in your hand and use the back of the 90 degree bend to hold jump rings and simple loops for opening and closing. They work a treat for this! They have a nice large surface for holding the jump ring, and the jaws are bent up out of the way, so that you have more room to work.
Which brings me to why you need two pairs of pliers! For opening and closing jump rings (and simple, openable loops in general). Hold one half of the jump ring with one pair, and twist open with the other. Always twist, never pull.
That's it - so simple, but so essential that you need two.
It also helps to have two for those days when you just can't find things!
Now you know everything you need to know about putting together a basic tool kit! Cheers!
Teeth. The answer is teeth - these tools do not have grooved ridges cut into them for gripping the wire. (Which, you'd think would make them cheaper than regular pliers - but nooooo - doesn't work that way.)
That toothy gripping surface on regular pliers is going to play havoc with your nice soft, shiny wire - it will chew up the surface and make it look like heck.
You may remember - back on Monday (yep - LAST YEAR - arf, arf, arf. I love this time of year - and I know - these "year" jokes are so old they have mold.) - I said you needed TWO pairs of these - or some combination of these listed tools. I'll explain in a minute.
What is the difference?
Chain nose pliers are flat on the inside, but the outer side of the jaws are curved. I like the shape of them, and you can shape wire over the outside. The taper makes them fit better into tight spaces.Flat nose pliers are - well - flat. Their jaws taper, and but they are squared off in and end-on view.
I personally find them a little wide for most of the things I do - I prefer the "micro-tip" pliers - they get into tight places a treat!
And finally - the bent-nose pliers (sorry - I don't have a photo of them separately - for some reason, we've never had them as a stand alone item) - but you'll know them when you see them - they have a 90 degree angle in the jaws.These can be very useful (I'm told) for getting into tight place to flatten and fold down the ends of wire. But, flip them over in your hand and use the back of the 90 degree bend to hold jump rings and simple loops for opening and closing. They work a treat for this! They have a nice large surface for holding the jump ring, and the jaws are bent up out of the way, so that you have more room to work.
Which brings me to why you need two pairs of pliers! For opening and closing jump rings (and simple, openable loops in general). Hold one half of the jump ring with one pair, and twist open with the other. Always twist, never pull.
That's it - so simple, but so essential that you need two.
It also helps to have two for those days when you just can't find things!
Now you know everything you need to know about putting together a basic tool kit! Cheers!
Thursday, January 01, 2009
Round nose pliers
With their gently tapering, smooth round jaws - these are the go-to tools for bending wire. These are indispensable for making wrapped loops and simple loops - a staple of most strung and wired jewelry.But that's not all they do. Despite their curved jaws, you can use them to hold wire. When making a wrapped loop, after forming the loop - instead of switching to another pair of pliers - use these across the newly-formed loop - to hold it while you finish the wrap! This works for all but the thickest, gnarliest wire.
If you want to get loops of a consistent size - use a sharpie or other permanent marker to mark a place on the jaws. Consistently looping at that location will always give you the same size loop.
Tomorrow - final installment - the straight dope on chain nose, flat nose and bent nose pliers!
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
A New Year, a New Beginning, a New Class
As promised I am blogging the upcoming new class for 2009. I will mostly focus on January and a bit of February.
Metal Smithing 101 with Suzanne Crudden begins January 14th and runs for 8 weeks on Wednesday nights.
Suzanne McNenly's Introduction to Pearl Knotting on January 17th
Stephanie Dixon has 2 new classes coming in January:
Wire Crochet Cuff Bracelet on January 17th
And the Wire Crochet Earrings for Beginners on January 18th
Cindy Vroom's Basic Bead Stitching 101 begins on January 22nd and runs for 4 weeks. This is a great introduction to different types of stitches. You can enroll in as many classes as you like, but you will get a discount if you enroll in all four weeks.
And lastly, I know this class is not new, but we have only offered it once and cannot offer it on a regular basis. An introduction to Chinese Knotting with Angela Peace on February 14th from 2-6pm.
Happy Beading all and see or "blog you" in 2009!! Happy New Year.
Metal Smithing 101 with Suzanne Crudden begins January 14th and runs for 8 weeks on Wednesday nights.
Suzanne McNenly's Introduction to Pearl Knotting on January 17th
Stephanie Dixon has 2 new classes coming in January:
Wire Crochet Cuff Bracelet on January 17th
And the Wire Crochet Earrings for Beginners on January 18th
Cindy Vroom's Basic Bead Stitching 101 begins on January 22nd and runs for 4 weeks. This is a great introduction to different types of stitches. You can enroll in as many classes as you like, but you will get a discount if you enroll in all four weeks.
And lastly, I know this class is not new, but we have only offered it once and cannot offer it on a regular basis. An introduction to Chinese Knotting with Angela Peace on February 14th from 2-6pm.
Happy Beading all and see or "blog you" in 2009!! Happy New Year.
Tools - Crimp Pliers
Crimp pliers - oh sure - you can get by without them. You can crimp the crimp tubes that secure the beading wire by first flattening them with a pair of flat nose pliers, and then crushing a gap between the wires using your round nose pliers.But even the most tool-phobic person can see that is a clumsy way to go about it - that's what you do when you can't find your crimpers.
The secret is that they have two holes - and you use the second one first.
The second set of holes is shaped like a pair of lips, and you use these to flatten the crimp tube or round crimp bead - trapping and separating the wires through it, holding them securely.
Then turn the crimped tube on it's side and use the first hole to fold it into a smaller, neater tube.
Here is a 10-sec video clip to make that clearer.
Don't cheap out on these. We have seen literally dozens of knock-offs of these - made in China - and no offense intended - whoever is making them has no freakin' idea what they are supposed to do. They just don't work. I've tried them all - I must have the world's largest collection of non-functional crimp pliers.
But wait - there's more. You can use your crimp pliers for something else! That curved, outer hole in the jaws? Great for closing up crimp covers! Fabulous for tucking in that last little piece of wire in a wire wrap! Oh yeah, baby - they have more than one use!
Alternately, you could spend your entire life only using the Tornado(tm) crimps - which you just crush with the flat pliers. But where's the fun in that?More tomorrow. Er - more NEXT YEAR!!!
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Tools - What to buy
OK - so if you don't need 15 inches of solid stacked tools (see yesterday's post!) - what do you need? What is the minimum tool kit for someone making jewelry - stringing beads, making earrings, etc.!
Here it is:
I know the tool junkies will be disappointed, but really - you can do a huge amount with this - and nothing says you have to stop here. Carry on - buy more - but if you are getting started - this will give you a great foundation.
Flush Cutters
You need to be able to cut wire, the beading cable, headpins, etc. These do the job. The are called "flush cutters" because they cut the item being cut to a flush, square end on one side - the other side is not flush. If you cut a piece of wire - you will see that of the two ends, one is flat, and the other is pointed. So, if you are cutting off the wire for a wrapped loop - you use the flat side, for a flat end - if you are cutting the stringing wire to string, cut with the un-flat side - to create a point for better stringing.
Unfortunately - we aren't currently carrying these - as we were shipped a batch that we didn't like the quality of - and we rejected them. So -we are currently looking for a new source. But - they are readily available at hardware places, and electronics parts stores. Sometimes they refer to them as nippies, or nippers. Look for blades that meet all the way down, and don't cross when closed, or have a big gap at the tip. You really need to be able to cut at the tip.
Oh, and if you use memory wire - DO NOT USE YOUR FLUSH CUTTERS TO CUT IT! Memory wire is steel spring wire, and it is HARD, HARD, HARD! Use a pair of hardware store wire cutters, or the specialized memory wire cutters (see pic) - which are really nice and do a great job. (See - THIS is how it starts!)
Continued Tomorrow!
Here it is:
- 1 pair wire cutters - flush cutters - good quality
- 1 pair crimpers
- 1 pair roundnose pliers
- 2 pairs chain nose or small flat nose pliers - or 1 chain nose and 1 flat nose, or 1 chain nose and 1 bent nose.
I know the tool junkies will be disappointed, but really - you can do a huge amount with this - and nothing says you have to stop here. Carry on - buy more - but if you are getting started - this will give you a great foundation.
Flush Cutters
You need to be able to cut wire, the beading cable, headpins, etc. These do the job. The are called "flush cutters" because they cut the item being cut to a flush, square end on one side - the other side is not flush. If you cut a piece of wire - you will see that of the two ends, one is flat, and the other is pointed. So, if you are cutting off the wire for a wrapped loop - you use the flat side, for a flat end - if you are cutting the stringing wire to string, cut with the un-flat side - to create a point for better stringing.Unfortunately - we aren't currently carrying these - as we were shipped a batch that we didn't like the quality of - and we rejected them. So -we are currently looking for a new source. But - they are readily available at hardware places, and electronics parts stores. Sometimes they refer to them as nippies, or nippers. Look for blades that meet all the way down, and don't cross when closed, or have a big gap at the tip. You really need to be able to cut at the tip.
Oh, and if you use memory wire - DO NOT USE YOUR FLUSH CUTTERS TO CUT IT! Memory wire is steel spring wire, and it is HARD, HARD, HARD! Use a pair of hardware store wire cutters, or the specialized memory wire cutters (see pic) - which are really nice and do a great job. (See - THIS is how it starts!)Continued Tomorrow!
Monday, December 29, 2008
Basement Craft Room Project - Making progress
I have come to the realization that this project will take me a lot longer than a week. I am quite determined to see this finished though. The sheer amount of work involved is quite staggering! We have cleared through a LOT of junk. You can now actually see the floor! I can walk from one end of the basement to the other without climbing over empty boxes.
I've got on a coat of primer in some spots, and I''m hoping to get the rest of the primer up later today. I ran out of steam yesterday. I'm also heading to goodwill to see if I can find a nice big table.
The plan is to get all storage under the stairs. Once I've got the wood painted, I'll hang up a curtain rod, and get some nice light fabric to hide the storage. I'm still trying to figure out what to do about lighting. I really need it a lot brighter down there than it is. I have to admit I was extremely proud of myself for resisting the temptation to get a fabulous chandelier for over the big table. I saw the perfect one while I was in Home Depot getting the paint. It would have killed my budget though. Chandelier or a sink...hmmm. Practicality won out for once :-) - maybe I'll get lucky and find one at goodwill that I can fix up.
I'm still debating what to do with the walls. I really do want it brighter, but I don't think it's really practical to paint the plastic covering the insulation. If anyone has any ideas...let me know!
I've got on a coat of primer in some spots, and I''m hoping to get the rest of the primer up later today. I ran out of steam yesterday. I'm also heading to goodwill to see if I can find a nice big table.
The plan is to get all storage under the stairs. Once I've got the wood painted, I'll hang up a curtain rod, and get some nice light fabric to hide the storage. I'm still trying to figure out what to do about lighting. I really need it a lot brighter down there than it is. I have to admit I was extremely proud of myself for resisting the temptation to get a fabulous chandelier for over the big table. I saw the perfect one while I was in Home Depot getting the paint. It would have killed my budget though. Chandelier or a sink...hmmm. Practicality won out for once :-) - maybe I'll get lucky and find one at goodwill that I can fix up.
I'm still debating what to do with the walls. I really do want it brighter, but I don't think it's really practical to paint the plastic covering the insulation. If anyone has any ideas...let me know!
Tools
Hi, My name is Dwyn, and I'm a tool junkie. It's been 3 days since I bought a tool.Guys do not have the market cornered on loving tools. I have probably met as many women tool-junkies as men - maybe more. I personally love to try out new tools, in the hopes that they will make some tricky task easier. I also love it when I find some tool that is beautifully designed or overcomes a design flaw from other versions of said tool (As witness to this - I offer "True-Parallel Love" from my OTHER blog - primarily of interest to other lampworkers.)
As you can see from this photo - I'm really over endowed in the plier-department!
However - if you are just getting started, the number of tools you need is really quite minimal.
I also offer this advice:
- do NOT buy all your tools with the same colour handles. (You are going to find it much easier to reach for the yellow handles or the blue or whatever, instead of focusing on the end to see what the tip is like.)
Individualizing your tools also comes in handy when you take a class. I always schlep my own tools along to a class. The teacher may have lots, maybe not, but I always work better with my own. I'm used to the balance and the fit in my hand.
It also makes them easier to get back from any other tool-crazed person you might have in your household.
"But honey - those miniature pliers are great for fishing dropped nuts out of the carburetor."
"Fine - I know what to get you for your birthday - now hand mine back or die!"
Tomorrow: What is that list of minimum tools?
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Eye Candy - Bulgari Jewelry
The opening page of a website - if it does not contain a lot of content, but just a teaser or a short animation to get you more interested, is called a splash page.
Bulgari takes this literally - with a delightful and delicious little video of truly beautiful jewelry being splashed through water. Worth watching twice, actually.
But then you get into the site - and oh my! Lots of content! And the jewelry! Oh my! Be sure to check out "Magnificent Jewels" - both "Bulgari Creations" and "Photographic Artwork." If that doesn't get you thinking differently about fruit - I don't know what will.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Basement Craft Room Project - The beginning
I've got a week off. Can I completely organize the mess you see below into a decent craft room in one week, and on a serious budget? I tried to do this about a year ago, but life got in the way, and it was never finished. Now the whole situation is far worse than it ever was. :-)
The goal is to get rid if the years of accumulated junk, organize, brighten it up, and install a sink.
What we're working with is an unfinished basement, lots of already available storage options, and about $700 in Christmas money/gift cards. With that, I'll need to buy a sink, paint, and lighting...hmmm, sounds a little optimistic.
The basement, when done will have a couple of clearly defined areas. One is my lampwork studio - although due to carpal tunnel I haven't been able to make beads, I still have hope.
The second area is for my beads, and jewellery - need to be able to have my foredom, and other tools set up - plus plenty of work space.
The 3rd area is for my mother and I, for our soap crafts and storage.
And finally, I need a big table that can be used for assorted other crafts, or anytime I need to spread out. Also, I'd like this space to be a bright, cozy spot that I can do crafts with my daughters.
Fortunately, we already have a lot of tables, and shelving that can be put to better use. Today is mainly organization. We'll be doing the odd dump run, and a couple drop offs to charities. Whatever can be salvaged to be given away will go to charity boxes.
I can't believe I'm about to post the photos below. Wow....my basement is a complete disaster zone. I'm pretty embarrased about this, but I'm sure I'm not quite the only one who's basement looks like this. And hey, If this encourages anyone else to take control of their space - then it's worth it!
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The goal is to get rid if the years of accumulated junk, organize, brighten it up, and install a sink.
What we're working with is an unfinished basement, lots of already available storage options, and about $700 in Christmas money/gift cards. With that, I'll need to buy a sink, paint, and lighting...hmmm, sounds a little optimistic.
The basement, when done will have a couple of clearly defined areas. One is my lampwork studio - although due to carpal tunnel I haven't been able to make beads, I still have hope.
The second area is for my beads, and jewellery - need to be able to have my foredom, and other tools set up - plus plenty of work space.
The 3rd area is for my mother and I, for our soap crafts and storage.
And finally, I need a big table that can be used for assorted other crafts, or anytime I need to spread out. Also, I'd like this space to be a bright, cozy spot that I can do crafts with my daughters.
Fortunately, we already have a lot of tables, and shelving that can be put to better use. Today is mainly organization. We'll be doing the odd dump run, and a couple drop offs to charities. Whatever can be salvaged to be given away will go to charity boxes.
I can't believe I'm about to post the photos below. Wow....my basement is a complete disaster zone. I'm pretty embarrased about this, but I'm sure I'm not quite the only one who's basement looks like this. And hey, If this encourages anyone else to take control of their space - then it's worth it!
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Jen's Bracelet Variations
Last week - Jen promised to show you some variations on a bracelet that she made for the Inspirations. But then, she had some technical difficulties. Jen finally managed to locate the bracelets - but not the photos - so she sent them with me for shooting.
Here they are. The original bracelet is in the centre - and the colour variation is on the left is 
the second one. This is a pleasing combo of dark blue, light blue and light mauve.The third variation, however, proved to be quite interesting. Instead of the 6 and 8 mm pearls - this is made with 4 and 6 mm pearls - and it changes the look and feel quite a bit.
The bracelet is a little more restrained, and, in Jen's words - and I can do no better - "less bobbly."
The smaller beads also expose more of the underlying crystal beads - giving this a little more glitter.
Try this as pretty variation of Mixed Metals. The construction is the same - the only difference is the step-down in size in the pearls.
Friday, December 26, 2008
Happy Holidays!
I would like to second what Dwyn posted yesterday. I hope everyone had a fabulous holiday/turkey day. I'm still stuffed, and am buried under a mountain of kids toys. Today, we're doing more visiting, and of course the organizing begins. - Where do we now put this new toy mountain? Must get it out of my living room!
I got the most awesome gift from my husband...The promise to clean out and organize my studio. It's probably a gift to himself more than anything. :-)
I do a lot of crafts, and so do the girls. Our house has bits of craft supplies everywhere. He has promised to help finish setting up my studio in the basement. Over the holidays, we're going to clear out all of the junk, and set up the basement so that the girls and I can actually work down there. We started this last year, but life got in the way - it never got done.
I can't wait! It will be lovely to have everything in one spot.
On another note, we are posting new inspirations daily over the holidays. Be sure to have a peek!
I got the most awesome gift from my husband...The promise to clean out and organize my studio. It's probably a gift to himself more than anything. :-)
I do a lot of crafts, and so do the girls. Our house has bits of craft supplies everywhere. He has promised to help finish setting up my studio in the basement. Over the holidays, we're going to clear out all of the junk, and set up the basement so that the girls and I can actually work down there. We started this last year, but life got in the way - it never got done.
I can't wait! It will be lovely to have everything in one spot.
On another note, we are posting new inspirations daily over the holidays. Be sure to have a peek!
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Hope you are having a wonderful day!
Hope you are having a wonderful day - playing with your new toys, visiting with family and friends, re-visiting your childhood, and anticipating a wonderful meal! May all your Christmases be merry and bright.
--All the crazy bead ladies at beadFX
--All the crazy bead ladies at beadFX
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
2009 is looking good!
The class schedule for 2009 looks great. We have tons of classes, some new
and some returning. This week I will talk about the returning classes and next week about new classes.
First off for all the avid lampworkers, Dwyn has just booked the Lampworking 201 class. It begins February 5th and runs for 8 weeks. This is an intermediate class and should be tons of fun.
We have Laurie-Anne Clinton's YoYo Leaf Bracelet on January 8th
Heather Bell-Denison's Charmed I'm Sure on January 10th
Heather and Jennifer also have an Intermediate Intensive Weekend coming February 21st and 22nd.
Amy Waldman-Smith has a two day Introduction to Glass Bead Making January 10th and 11th
Robert Burton has another Wire Wrapping 101 class coming up on January 25th and it runs for 3 weeks. There are only a few spots left so if you are interested you should call and book right away.
Suzanne McNenly's Photopolymer Plate Workshop on January 31st
Catherine Winter has two classes this month as well, so if you're News' Year Resolution was turn you beading addiction into a business her classes will help you out--A LOT.
January 15th How to Price Your Jewelry-Starting a Microbusiness
January 24th How to Have a Successful Craft Show
This is a real treat. Catherine is not usually here in January, so we have been lucky enough to get some extra class time with her.
I hope that everyone has a Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah, Happy Kwanzaa or a great couple of days off!!
Happy Beading!!
and some returning. This week I will talk about the returning classes and next week about new classes.
First off for all the avid lampworkers, Dwyn has just booked the Lampworking 201 class. It begins February 5th and runs for 8 weeks. This is an intermediate class and should be tons of fun.
We have Laurie-Anne Clinton's YoYo Leaf Bracelet on January 8th
Heather Bell-Denison's Charmed I'm Sure on January 10th
Heather and Jennifer also have an Intermediate Intensive Weekend coming February 21st and 22nd.
Amy Waldman-Smith has a two day Introduction to Glass Bead Making January 10th and 11th
Robert Burton has another Wire Wrapping 101 class coming up on January 25th and it runs for 3 weeks. There are only a few spots left so if you are interested you should call and book right away.
Suzanne McNenly's Photopolymer Plate Workshop on January 31st
Catherine Winter has two classes this month as well, so if you're News' Year Resolution was turn you beading addiction into a business her classes will help you out--A LOT.
January 15th How to Price Your Jewelry-Starting a Microbusiness
January 24th How to Have a Successful Craft Show
This is a real treat. Catherine is not usually here in January, so we have been lucky enough to get some extra class time with her.
I hope that everyone has a Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah, Happy Kwanzaa or a great couple of days off!!
Happy Beading!!
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Mom, I'm done...really
hehhehe....look what we found on our floor!
The little one decided he'd had enough of all of this shopping.
Nurielle posted a link to our internal mailing list last night to a blog that I hadn't seen before. Design Sponge - Interior Design Sneak Peeks
Be sure to check out the sneak peeks section especially the Wonderfactory offices. What I would really like to see though is how these places would look during normal work/living conditions. Where is all their stuff? It reminds me of a conversation I had with my mom...She heard on the radio an announcer mentioning that in order to not get too stressed over the holidays, instead of spending hours cleaning, and organizing. She just gets a bin and puts all of the clutter in the bin. hrrmf - I would need a dumpster for that to work ;-)
The little one decided he'd had enough of all of this shopping.
Nurielle posted a link to our internal mailing list last night to a blog that I hadn't seen before. Design Sponge - Interior Design Sneak Peeks
Be sure to check out the sneak peeks section especially the Wonderfactory offices. What I would really like to see though is how these places would look during normal work/living conditions. Where is all their stuff? It reminds me of a conversation I had with my mom...She heard on the radio an announcer mentioning that in order to not get too stressed over the holidays, instead of spending hours cleaning, and organizing. She just gets a bin and puts all of the clutter in the bin. hrrmf - I would need a dumpster for that to work ;-)
Monday, December 22, 2008
Creativity Block
Ever sit down in front of your beads, and suddenly discover you feel, well, uninspired? Been there, done that. Strung that, beaded those. Bla, bla, bla. If not, well - good for you!
But sometimes, especially if there is pressure to make something - like a pearl necklace for an aunt, and you really don't like pearls, or maybe something to take to a gift exchange, or heaven forbid - you're writing an article!!!! - Sometimes, the inspiration doesn't flow.
This is a block, a creativity block, like a writer's block. And there are two schools of thought on how to unblock the block. (And the winner of the prize for most uses of the word "block" in a sentence goes to ....)
Two schools of thought. One is the step back approach. Get some distance - go for a walk, get some air, read a book, make a sandwich, watch a little t.v., etc. Come back a couple of hours later, and feel refreshed and ready to begin anew, perhaps even inspired by something you saw during your break? Oooh, pink ham and green lettuce colours would make a great bracelet!
The other is the "work-through-it" approach. Sit there and make something - don't worry about how bad it looks. Grab a spool of beading wire and start stringing stuff. Pull out beads and start putting them on. Keep going. Put two or three beads together. Try stuff that you think won't go. Oh, that looks bad, let's try something else. Hey, that's not too bad, what if ... ? That would look great, but I'd need 50 more of them, what else can I try?
Try both tactics- see what works for you. It may be that you don't have time to go for a walk - so try the "work-through-it" approach sometime. You might be completely surprised at what you create!
But sometimes, especially if there is pressure to make something - like a pearl necklace for an aunt, and you really don't like pearls, or maybe something to take to a gift exchange, or heaven forbid - you're writing an article!!!! - Sometimes, the inspiration doesn't flow.
This is a block, a creativity block, like a writer's block. And there are two schools of thought on how to unblock the block. (And the winner of the prize for most uses of the word "block" in a sentence goes to ....)
Two schools of thought. One is the step back approach. Get some distance - go for a walk, get some air, read a book, make a sandwich, watch a little t.v., etc. Come back a couple of hours later, and feel refreshed and ready to begin anew, perhaps even inspired by something you saw during your break? Oooh, pink ham and green lettuce colours would make a great bracelet!
The other is the "work-through-it" approach. Sit there and make something - don't worry about how bad it looks. Grab a spool of beading wire and start stringing stuff. Pull out beads and start putting them on. Keep going. Put two or three beads together. Try stuff that you think won't go. Oh, that looks bad, let's try something else. Hey, that's not too bad, what if ... ? That would look great, but I'd need 50 more of them, what else can I try?
Try both tactics- see what works for you. It may be that you don't have time to go for a walk - so try the "work-through-it" approach sometime. You might be completely surprised at what you create!
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Eye Candy - Buccellati Jewelry
Now, here's a website that I would normally hate - it does things that I consider to be poor design. For instance - it expands the browser window to full width - I hate it when web designers want to control my computer, and it really is little more than an electronic version of a paper catalogue. Complete down to the page turning interface.
But oh, the jewelry! The Jewelry! It is so beautiful - all is forgiven! The "High" jewelry collection - and the piece "Torchon" - like a massive, twisted rope of gold! And the watches! And the silversmith work! The Jam Jars! Are they not wonderful? Never mind what I said about the web design - the site is beautiful!
Bravo! Buccellati Jewelry!
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